It's that time of year again as the annual Circuit of Ireland rally zooms into town this weekend (April 8-10).

First held in 1931, the Circuit of Ireland is not only one of the oldest rallies in the world, it is also one of the most prestigious and maintains its place on the ERC calendar for a third season.

Based in Belfast, the rally runs on challenging country lanes in Northern Ireland while fan-friendly street stages in town centre locations are a highlight

To ensure you don't miss one second of the action packed weekend, we've put together this handy guide.

From what's happening on each of the days and how you can get the best view of all the racing action, look no futher.

Where can I see the rally?

The approximate times shown below are for the first car due. The convoy then takes around 2½ hours, with cars passing roughly every minute in the international rally. The national rally, including Escorts, modified cars, WRC cars and a strong historical category, follow the first car of the international rally approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes afterwards.

Circuit of Ireland Super Stage

The Circuit of Ireland Rally will be holding its 'Super Stage' again in Ards town centre, on Friday 8 April.

Before the race gets under way, come along to Conway Square from 5.30pm for lots of family fun. The Square will be filled with children’s craft activities, live music and food stalls. You can also get behind the wheel and experience the thrill of the race for yourself in Eddie Irvine Sports car simulators!

Friday, April 8, features rural stages close to Larne and Ballymena and includes a refuel halt at the famous Ballymena Showgrounds. Friday’s route includes stages encompassing Torr Head and Glendun as well as a passage control at the Dark Hedges and a regroup at Bushmills Distillery, with the special Ards TT Stage taking place on the Friday night.

Saturday will include stages close to Banbridge, Ballynahinch and Dromore with town centre regroups in Downpatrick and Banbridge. The rally will finish back at the King's Hall in Belfast on the Saturday evening, April 9, and will culminate in a special closing ceremony outside Queen’s University when the 2016 winners will be presented with the famous Circuit of Ireland trophy.

18.07 - International Rally finish ceremony and champagne spraying at Queens University Belfast

19.30 - National rally finish ceremony at the Kings Hall

Rally goes LIVE on the internet for the first time

Rally fans will also be able to watch all the action live from anywhere in the world as the Circuit of Ireland is going ‘live’ and global this year. For the first time it will be available to watch via the internet, as it happens, on the events own website, www.circuitofireland.net

The programme will be presented by Jon Desborough and Trevor Agnew, with Seb Marshall, Gareth Stewart and Lisa O’Sullivan leading the reporting team.

Road closures

PSNI are advising as number of road closures will be in place over the weekend.

Some disruption can be expected close to where the rally stages/events are taking place.

The roads affected by the closures are well signposted and road users should obey those signs.

If you intend to travel near to an area where roads are closed please leave additional time for your journey.

Spectator Safety information

Spectators are reminded that motorsport can be dangerous and, despite the organisers of the Circuit of Ireland International Rally taking all reasonable precautions, unavoidable accidents can happen. In respect of these, you are present at your own risk.

The organisers of the Circuit of Ireland have put various measures in place in an attempt to keep spectators safe but ultimately all spectators are responsible for their own personal safety.

For your own safety and the safety of others:

listen to the marshals and follow their instructions. They are there to help you and ensure the Rally runs within the safety guidelines prescribed by the FIA and the MSA

be aware that marshals and officials have the right to work without being abused or threatened

arrive in plenty of time

watch from a safe location, preferably on high ground

observe and obey all event signage

do not walk on the stage

do not enter prohibited areas

ensure that children and infants are always accompanied by an adequate number of adults who are responsible for their behaviour and safety

remain alert

park your car in such a position that it does not block the road – remember emergency vehicles might have to leave or access the stage by that road.